Gressel, Eric

Eric L. Gressel, age 69, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Columbus, Indiana, to Herbert K. and Stella N. Gressel. He was an employee of Cummins Engine Company for 38 years and served in several executive capacities during his time at Cummins, including Director of Human Resources and Sales Management. He resided in Columbus, Indiana, Cookeville, Tennessee, and Cary, North Carolina, before retiring to Carolina Trace in 2000. His retirement at Carolina Trace was very special. He enjoyed sharing his lakefront home with family and friends, fishing and playing golf with Linda and the grandchildren. Eric served on the Board of the Sanford Meals on Wheels, several Hidden Lake P.O.A. committees, and Carolina Trace Country Club committees and was member of the Wednesday Morning Prayer Breakfast. He was also an active member of St. Luke UMC where he served as a Stephen Minister and a Sunday School teacher. Eric and Linda enjoyed serving as Conference Team members for the Stephen Ministry organization headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Each fall Eric traveled to the mountains of North Carolina to volunteer at the Altapass Orchard in Spruce Pine, a non-profit restoration project. Eric is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda, and three children – Tim and his wife April; Scott and his wife Susan; and Pam and her husband Ray; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers: Ron, Daryl and Dwight and his sister, Sue Webb plus numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Sanford with Rev. Dr. Eugene Cobb officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 p.m. in the parlor of St.Luke United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to: Altapass Foundation; P.O. Box 245, Little Switzerland, NC 28749. Online condolences may be made at www.millerboles.com